Bastion
Kinsale, Ireland




∗1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Set in the very centre of town, Bastion is a contemporary restaurant owned and run by a talented couple: Paul McDonald cooks, while his wife Helen looks after the service. A large bar splits the room in two and twinkling candles add a welcoming touch. Paul is Scottish born but his cooking has a strong Irish base. Natural flavours are kept to the fore and local seafood is a highlight. The skilfully prepared, exacting dishes take on a modern style and often exhibit a playful, innovative element, while at the same time showing depth in their flavours and textures.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Seasonal Tasting Menus
- Bastion offers an 8-course signature tasting menu that changes with the seasons, showcasing local ingredients and reflecting the culinary travels of the owners.
Personal Touch in Service
- The owners, Chef Paul McDonald and his wife Helen, are known for their hands-on approach, with Helen managing the front of house and providing personalized wine recommendations based on guests' preferences.
Unique Dishes
- The restaurant features inventive dishes such as Cauliflower and Caviar Cheesecake and Cured Langoustine, which have garnered attention for their creativity and flavor combinations.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
Signature Ingredients
- Cured Langoustine: A standout dish that showcases the freshness of local seafood, prepared with precision to enhance its natural flavors. The langoustine is sourced from nearby waters, ensuring peak freshness and quality.
- Wagyu Beef: Featured in various dishes, this premium beef is known for its rich marbling and tenderness. It is carefully prepared to highlight its unique flavor profile, often paired with seasonal vegetables.
- Cauliflower and Caviar Cheesecake: An innovative dish that combines the earthiness of cauliflower with the luxurious touch of caviar, creating a unique flavor experience that reflects the restaurant's creative approach to traditional ingredients.
- Mushroom Orzo: Made with locally foraged mushrooms, this dish exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to using seasonal and regional produce, providing a rich, umami flavor that complements the orzo pasta.
- Duck: Often featured in the tasting menu, the duck is sourced from local farms and prepared to achieve a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat, showcasing the best of Irish poultry.
- Oysters: Freshly harvested from the nearby coast, these oysters are served in various preparations, highlighting their briny flavor and the restaurant's dedication to local seafood.
- White Chocolate and Passion Fruit Dessert: A signature dessert that balances the sweetness of white chocolate with the tartness of passion fruit, showcasing the restaurant's flair for combining flavors and textures in innovative ways.